INTERVIEW WITH THE DEAN
Students at GIBS benefit from the school’s commitment to embed sustainability into its MBA programme, alongside a determination to be at the forefront of digital leadership
The impact of AI and other generative algorithms such as ChatGPT on business school education has been well documented – what’s your take on it at GIBS? “Informed by the growing digital divide between the Global North and Africa, it should come as no surprise that another of our three strategic imperatives is digital leadership. We are keen to embrace technological advancements, including AI and other generative algorithms. “While GIBS is not a school of engineering nor an institute of technology, we are determined to ensure that our graduates engage competently in an AI-driven world. At a practical level, we begin with strategies and policies years, we have introduced a digital track in our MBA programme and having the latest technology alongside sustainability is increasingly driving our international partnership ambitions.” The topic of sustainability has been embedded into MBA programmes around the world – how integral do you think it is to the concept of leadership? “GIBS has long been committed to sustainability, something that is evidenced via its membership through the Global Business School Network, PRME and RRBM, among others. Working with these and similar like-minded communities, for acceptable use of AI and large language models and we are continuing to incorporate AI applications into our core MBA courses. “Over the past two
GIBS has been able to embed sustainability into its MBA programme. Given that climate leadership is another of GIBS’ three strategic imperatives, it’s clear that we believe sustainability to be core to the concept of responsible leadership. However, the idea of responsible leadership is going through a period of stasis due to current geopolitical shifts. For this reason, GIBS is elevating its commitment to responsible leadership in its MBA programme.” With all the economic and geopolitical upheaval the world is facing, do you believe there is still room for optimism when it comes to the future of the business school sector?
“Prevailing economic and geopolitical tensions are upending the rules of the game by which many institutions have been operating. In the short term, the business school sector will not be spared. Inspired by scientists like Johan Rockström, who introduced concepts such as
“The idea of responsible leadership is going through a period of stasis due to current geopolitical shifts. For this reason, GIBS is elevating its commitment to the concept in its MBA programme”
planetary boundaries to non-scientists in sectors including management education, many schools have been shifting towards embracing regenerative business concepts. “However, the growing prominence of climate denialists is fast undoing all the progressive work towards a more inclusive society. In this context, the kind of responsible management education being offered by business schools ought not to rely on optimism, but on relentless action aimed at a more sustainable world because, in the long run, science will prevail.”
Ambition • ISSUE 1 • 2025 15
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